The American Ceramic Society
Summary
The Orthotist/Prosthetist works within the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service providing appropriate orthotic and/or prosthetic care to meet the needs and goals of the patient.
Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
Education: (1) A bachelor's degree or higher in orthotics and prosthetics from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited program
OR - (2) A bachelor's degree or higher in any major along with a post-graduate orthotics or prosthetics certificate from a CAAHEP accredited program
Foreign Graduates
Graduates of foreign degree programs must have proof of a minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (or foreign equivalent - as verified through an independent credential evaluation company) - with a specialization in orthotics and prosthetics
Board Certification
Candidates must be board certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) or the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC) as an orthotist - prosthetist - or orthotist/prosthetist
The board certificate must be current and the applicant must abide by the certifying body's requirements for continuing education
Certification as a technician - pedorthist - assistant or fitter does not meet this requirement
English Language Proficiency
Orthotists - prosthetists - or orthotist/prosthetists must be proficient in spoken and written as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d)
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment - the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates
Orthotist/Prosthetist GS-05: Experience
None beyond the basic requirements
Orthotist/Prosthetist GS-07: Experience
One year of creditable experience as an orthotist/prosthetist equivalent to the next lower grade level
AND Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs)
In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of medical terminology - anatomy - physiology - biomechanics - kinesiology - physics - and etiology of diseases
Knowledge of psychology and age-related competency
Knowledge of materials science including materials such as plastics - composites - metals - and leather commonly used in fabrication
Ability to use hand and power tools in the fabrication of devices
Ability to communicate orally and in writing
Orthotist/Prosthetist GS-09: Education
Education equivalent to 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree in orthotics and/or prosthetics - provided the applicant's total background demonstrates the core competencies for GS-9 level assignment
OR Experience
Completion of 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level which demonstrates possession of the knowledge - skills - and abilities needed to provide orthotic/prosthetic services in a hospital setting
AND Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
In addition to the education or experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to attend clinics and participate as a member of the treatment team
This includes knowledge of medical terminology - anatomy - physiology - biomechanics - kinesiology - physics - and etiology of diseases as well as knowledge of psychology and age-related competencies
Knowledge of the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS)
Ability to conduct clinical patient analyses such as gait - range of motion - life style - etc. - for patients with complex but typical conditions
Ability to take necessary measurements - casts - or scans to develop positive molds of the affected area of the body to create orthoses and/or prostheses
Orthotist/Prosthetist GS-11: Experience
Completion of 1 year of experience as an orthotist/prosthetist equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates possession of the knowledge - skills - and abilities needed to provide orthotic/prosthetic services in a hospital setting
AND Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to attend clinics and participate as a fully participating member of the treatment team with considerable influence in the development of the treatment plan
This includes advanced knowledge of medical terminology - anatomy - physiology - biomechanics - kinesiology - physics - and etiology of diseases as well as knowledge of psychology and age related competencies
Ability to conduct clinical patient analyses such as gait - range of motion - life style - etc. - for patients with a wide range of complex medical conditions which include unusual problems or complications - and to design unique or innovative devices to accommodate those conditions
Ability to recognize physical abnormalities - deviations - and complicating conditions with potentially life threatening implications
Preferred Experience: Preferred experience will be determined by the service for the location in which you apply and will be discussed at the interview
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-11
Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation - see Duties section for essential job duties of the position
May require standing - lifting - carrying - sitting - stooping - bending - puling - and pushing
May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment
Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions
the area is adequately lighted - heated - and ventilated
However - the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.
Duties
This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and may be taken down at any time
Applications will be reviewed and referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled
This announcement is being used to fill a variety of positions across 8 Veterans Affairs Medical facilities located in Alexandria - LA - Biloxi - MS - Fayetteville - AR - Houston - TX - Jackson - MS - Little Rock - AR New Orleans - LA - and Shreveport - LA
Applicants may select the location(s) they wish to be considered in the application
Exact duties and expectations will be discussed during the interview process
Duties of the Orthotist/Prosthetist may include - but are not limited to: Assists in formulating the treatment plan by performing a diagnosis-specific functional clinical examination - including manual muscle-testing - gait assessment and evaluation of sensory function - cognitive ability - range of motion - joint stability - skin integrity and compliance
Consults with other health care professionals and caregivers about patient's condition to assist in formulating a treatment plan
Communicates with patient and/or caregiver about the recommended treatment plan - and any optional plans - to involve them in orthotic or prosthetic care
include disclosure of potential risks/benefits
Verifies patient care by documenting history - ongoing care and follow-up - using established record-keeping techniques
Refers patient - if appropriate - to other health care professionals (e.g. - psychologist - therapist - physician) for intervention beyond orthotic/prosthetic scope of practice
Formulates treatment goals and expected orthotic/prosthetic outcomes to reduce pain/increase comfort - enhance function and independence - provide stability - prevent deformity - address cosmesis and/or promote healing
Identifies appropriate materials - components and specifications for orthosis/prosthesis based on patient criteria to ensure optimum strength - durability and function as required
Prepares delineation/impression/template for modification/fabrication
Assesses devices for structural safety and ensure that manufacturers' guidelines have been followed prior to patient fitting/delivery
Completes fabrication process after achieving optimal fit of orthosis/prosthesis
Educates/counsels patient and/or caregiver about the use and maintenance of the orthosis/prosthesis
Develops a plan for patient needs - including patient education and follow-up
Work Schedule: Work schedules may vary based on the location requested
Tour of duty is subject to change based on the needs of the facility
Compressed/Flexible: Varies by location - to be discussed in the interview
Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
Education: (1) A bachelor's degree or higher in orthotics and prosthetics from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited program
OR - (2) A bachelor's degree or higher in any major along with a post-graduate orthotics or prosthetics certificate from a CAAHEP accredited program
Foreign Graduates
Graduates of foreign degree programs must have proof of a minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (or foreign equivalent - as verified through an independent credential evaluation company) - with a specialization in orthotics and prosthetics
Board Certification
Candidates must be board certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) or the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC) as an orthotist - prosthetist - or orthotist/prosthetist
The board certificate must be current and the applicant must abide by the certifying body's requirements for continuing education
Certification as a technician - pedorthist - assistant or fitter does not meet this requirement
English Language Proficiency
Orthotists - prosthetists - or orthotist/prosthetists must be proficient in spoken and written as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d)
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment - the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates
Orthotist/Prosthetist GS-05: Experience
None beyond the basic requirements
Orthotist/Prosthetist GS-07: Experience
One year of creditable experience as an orthotist/prosthetist equivalent to the next lower grade level
AND Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs)
In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of medical terminology - anatomy - physiology - biomechanics - kinesiology - physics - and etiology of diseases
Knowledge of psychology and age-related competency
Knowledge of materials science including materials such as plastics - composites - metals - and leather commonly used in fabrication
Ability to use hand and power tools in the fabrication of devices
Ability to communicate orally and in writing
Orthotist/Prosthetist GS-09: Education
Education equivalent to 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree in orthotics and/or prosthetics - provided the applicant's total background demonstrates the core competencies for GS-9 level assignment
OR Experience
Completion of 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level which demonstrates possession of the knowledge - skills - and abilities needed to provide orthotic/prosthetic services in a hospital setting
AND Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
In addition to the education or experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to attend clinics and participate as a member of the treatment team
This includes knowledge of medical terminology - anatomy - physiology - biomechanics - kinesiology - physics - and etiology of diseases as well as knowledge of psychology and age-related competencies
Knowledge of the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS)
Ability to conduct clinical patient analyses such as gait - range of motion - life style - etc. - for patients with complex but typical conditions
Ability to take necessary measurements - casts - or scans to develop positive molds of the affected area of the body to create orthoses and/or prostheses
Orthotist/Prosthetist GS-11: Experience
Completion of 1 year of experience as an orthotist/prosthetist equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates possession of the knowledge - skills - and abilities needed to provide orthotic/prosthetic services in a hospital setting
AND Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to attend clinics and participate as a fully participating member of the treatment team with considerable influence in the development of the treatment plan
This includes advanced knowledge of medical terminology - anatomy - physiology - biomechanics - kinesiology - physics - and etiology of diseases as well as knowledge of psychology and age related competencies
Ability to conduct clinical patient analyses such as gait - range of motion - life style - etc. - for patients with a wide range of complex medical conditions which include unusual problems or complications - and to design unique or innovative devices to accommodate those conditions
Ability to recognize physical abnormalities - deviations - and complicating conditions with potentially life threatening implications
Preferred Experience: Preferred experience will be determined by the service for the location in which you apply and will be discussed at the interview
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-11
Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation - see Duties section for essential job duties of the position
May require standing - lifting - carrying - sitting - stooping - bending - puling - and pushing
May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment
Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions
the area is adequately lighted - heated - and ventilated
However - the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.
Duties
This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and may be taken down at any time
Applications will be reviewed and referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled
This announcement is being used to fill a variety of positions across 8 Veterans Affairs Medical facilities located in Alexandria - LA - Biloxi - MS - Fayetteville - AR - Houston - TX - Jackson - MS - Little Rock - AR New Orleans - LA - and Shreveport - LA
Applicants may select the location(s) they wish to be considered in the application
Exact duties and expectations will be discussed during the interview process
Duties of the Orthotist/Prosthetist may include - but are not limited to: Assists in formulating the treatment plan by performing a diagnosis-specific functional clinical examination - including manual muscle-testing - gait assessment and evaluation of sensory function - cognitive ability - range of motion - joint stability - skin integrity and compliance
Consults with other health care professionals and caregivers about patient's condition to assist in formulating a treatment plan
Communicates with patient and/or caregiver about the recommended treatment plan - and any optional plans - to involve them in orthotic or prosthetic care
include disclosure of potential risks/benefits
Verifies patient care by documenting history - ongoing care and follow-up - using established record-keeping techniques
Refers patient - if appropriate - to other health care professionals (e.g. - psychologist - therapist - physician) for intervention beyond orthotic/prosthetic scope of practice
Formulates treatment goals and expected orthotic/prosthetic outcomes to reduce pain/increase comfort - enhance function and independence - provide stability - prevent deformity - address cosmesis and/or promote healing
Identifies appropriate materials - components and specifications for orthosis/prosthesis based on patient criteria to ensure optimum strength - durability and function as required
Prepares delineation/impression/template for modification/fabrication
Assesses devices for structural safety and ensure that manufacturers' guidelines have been followed prior to patient fitting/delivery
Completes fabrication process after achieving optimal fit of orthosis/prosthesis
Educates/counsels patient and/or caregiver about the use and maintenance of the orthosis/prosthesis
Develops a plan for patient needs - including patient education and follow-up
Work Schedule: Work schedules may vary based on the location requested
Tour of duty is subject to change based on the needs of the facility
Compressed/Flexible: Varies by location - to be discussed in the interview
Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
#J-18808-Ljbffr